Useful Information for Backpacking Sri Lanka: Experience

Eleven nights in a mix of comfortable hotels and one stand-out beachfront eco retreat at Talalla, where the rooms use fans rather than air conditioning to keep the footprint down. Most of the others have air conditioning and a pool.

Rooms are twin, double or triple share. Solo travellers are always roomed with someone of the same gender, and in the occasional multi-share room we do our best to do the same. Travelling with a friend or partner? Book together, or tell us after booking, and we will keep you in the same room with the right bed set-up.

If you would rather have your own space, a private room for the whole trip is available as an optional extra at checkout.

Yes, at either end. Extra nights before or after the tour are available as an optional extra when you book, or you can add them later from your account. Nights before the tour include your airport pick-up.

If you decide once you are there, tell your group leader on day 1 and they will sort out post-tour nights for you.

You will get to sample the best of Sri Lankan food... and it is so, so tasty. Breakfasts are typically Western dishes that you would expect to find back home. Sometimes you will have a buffet-style breakfast, and in other locations, you will have simple eggs on toast with fruit. We get that if you just need to satisfy that craving for a pizza or burger! Western food is usually available everywhere on the tour. As the tour explores different areas of Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to taste the various cuisine styles from around the country. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will also be provided.

Vegetarians will be happy to know that Sri Lanka is very accommodating for vegetarians. Your tour guide can instruct any kitchen to create a local dish without meat. The meals will always have a vegetarian option. Please note vegan diets may not be available for some included meals.

Yes and so delicious! If you see Sri Lankan locals eating it then that’s the best indication that the food is safe. Tip: Eat where the locals eat; the longer the queue the more delicious you can assume the food will be. But as with anything, use caution. If something looks or smells suspect, better to leave it alone. And never drink from the tap! We thought we had to mention this in case the idea ever crosses your mind!

We only sell our tour directly to you through our website, not through a travel agency, which cuts out a major expense incurred by other tour companies (and for you)! That's a win-win all around.

Your airport pick-up on day 1 is included in the price. Fly into Colombo (CMB), a 20–25 minute drive from our hotel in Negombo, and once you have booked your flights, log in to your account and add your arrival details so we know when to meet you.

Arriving a day or two early? Let us know and we will still arrange your pick-up, and we can add extra nights at the tour hotel if you would like them.

The tour finishes in Mirissa on day 12, so the journey home works differently: see "What happens when my tour is complete?" for how that one works.

Colombo (CMB), Bandaranaike International Airport, for both. It is the only international airport you will need.

The tour starts in Negombo, a 20-25 minute drive from the airport, so flying in is easy. The tour finishes in Mirissa on day 12 and you head back up to Negombo for your flight home, and there is a free bus laid on for that.

There is nothing scheduled on day 1, but the group meets for a welcome dinner at around 7pm, so aim to land in Colombo before mid-afternoon. Hotel check-in in Negombo is from 2pm, with earlier check-in subject to availability. If you get in before that you can leave your bags securely and use the hotel facilities.

On day 12 the free bus back to Negombo leaves Mirissa between 8am and 10.30am and arrives around midday to 2pm, so a flight from about 5pm onwards is comfortable. Flying earlier, or straight out of Mirissa? Tell us and we will work it out with you.

Arriving before the start date is no problem: we can add extra nights, with breakfast and your hotel transfer.

Yes, but for most of our travellers it is now free. Everyone needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Sri Lanka's online tourist visa, before they fly, and since 25 May 2026 it is issued free of charge to citizens of 40 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many European countries. It gives you 30 days with double entry, and your passport needs at least six months' validity from the day you arrive.

Apply only on the official site, eta.gov.lk: copycat sites charge for an ETA that is free there. Some passports, including Irish and Portuguese, still pay the standard fee.

Rules do change, so check what applies to your passport here, or read our full Sri Lanka visa guide. Any questions, just ask.

Please wait for your booking confirmation email, which tells you when we recommend arriving and departing. You can search and book flights on our flights page.

We will send you your airport transfer information one week before the tour or programme begins.

International flights are not included in the price of any tour and will need to be booked separately. You’re free to book your own flights or book here.

Once you've booked your flights, log in to My Account on our website and enter your flight arrival details. That is how your group leader knows when you are landing.

Arriving before the tour starts, or staying on at the end? Let us know as early as you can so we can check availability and pricing on extra nights.

Please let us know as soon as possible. If you are already en route and a connecting flight changes, contact your group leader or email us so we can still meet you at the airport.

Your deposit ensures your reservation for the tour or program. It guarantees your spot until 60 days prior to the scheduled commencement date, at which time the outstanding balance must be settled in full. Failure to complete payment by the specified deadline will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and the vacancy may be offered to another prospective participant. The remaining balance can be found in your account, and multiple reminders will be sent in advance of the due date to ensure timely payment.

For group tours, your place is confirmed once enough travellers have booked, and always at least four weeks (28 days) before your tour starts. Most group tours are confirmed around six months before departure.

For volunteer or private bookings, please allow 2-3 working days.

If a tour does not run, you get a full refund.

Yes! After placing your deposit, you can pay off the tour in instalments of your choosing, whenever suits you. The remaining balance is due 60 days before your tour starts, and you can see it at any time in your account.

Yes, as long as you give us at least 60 days' notice before your original departure date, so another traveller can take your place. A £30 administration fee applies to a date change.

We recommend packing:

• 1 pair of long trousers
• 1 light but waterproof jacket (nothing too thick!)
• 1 long-sleeved top
• A simple padlock to lock up your belongings
• 1 electrical converter (to avoid blowing out that hairdryer or beard trimmer)
• Shoes that are suitable for hiking, and waterproof shoes if you have them
• Shoes that are easily removed, as you will be expected to take them off at temples and many buildings as a sign of respect, so the easier the better
• Swimwear
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen
• A camera to remember the experience!

And of course the usual: passport, spending money, adventurous curiosity, positive attitude. Try to keep your bag under 20kg, as you carry your own luggage between destinations.

Backpacks are preferred and will be more convenient for you but suitcases work, too. You’ll never have to carry your luggage for too long at any one time. Try to find something that’s easily accessible and waterproof if possible. And please bring a smaller daypack for short trips throughout the tour.

Yes, please! Most of our accommodation offers laundry at very reasonable prices, so there is no need to pack for every single day of the trip.

Yes, the dress code is seen as a show of respect to the culture, temple and monks that often live in the temples. Men should wear long pants and no cut-off sleeves. Women should wear trousers, a long skirt, or dress that extends fully below the knees and covers their shoulders - the knees should be fully covered. Tank tops and low cut shirts should also be avoided by both genders.

Sri Lanka runs on 230 volts. Newer buildings mostly have UK-style three square-pin sockets (Type G), but many older hotels and guesthouses still have round-pin Type D and M sockets, so pack a universal adapter.

Power cuts are occasional, so a power bank is useful.

The tour ends in Mirissa on day 12. If you are flying home that day there is a free bus back up to Negombo: it leaves Mirissa between 8am and 10.30am and gets in around midday to 2pm. You are welcome to use the hotel's facilities there until it is time to go, and it is then a 20-25 minute taxi to Colombo airport, around £10 / $20 USD.

If you would rather go straight from Mirissa, a private transfer to the airport takes about 3 hours and starts at roughly £60 / $75 USD / $110 AUD.

Staying on in Sri Lanka? Your guide will help you sort out where you are heading next, whether that is onward transport, accommodation, or your next trip with us.

By private bus for the most part, plus tuk tuks in Negombo, a boat across a village lake near Sigiriya, and the train from the tea country down to Ella, one of the most scenic rail journeys anywhere, and a highlight in its own right. It is all included.

Worth knowing: Sri Lanka's roads are mostly two lanes, so a short distance on the map can take a while. We break the longer drives up with stops rather than pushing straight through.

Not at all! The deposit confirms your place on the tour. We kindly ask that you provide the remaining balance no less than 60 days before your tour begins.

Yes! This is your own time to explore Sri Lanka as you please. If you want to stay back at the hotel to relax or want to explore a bit on your own, just let your tour guide know.

The trip starts in Negombo and finishes in Mirissa.